Lawn mower

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a lawn mower. In certain example embodiments, the lawn mower includes one or more of: (a) a cooling baffle for efficiently cooling a hydraulic fluid tank and/or fluid therein using air flow caused by a combustion engine used for driving mower cutting blade(s); (b) improved cockpit structure including fenders; (c) improved drive wheel(s) adjustment structure or assembly; (d) improved idler arm assembly for use in connection with the cutter deck and/or pump driving belt; and/or (e) improved hose routing structure.

This invention relates to a lawn mower. In certain example embodimentsof this invention, the lawn mower includes one or more of: (a) a coolingbaffle for efficiently cooling a hydraulic fluid tank using air flowcaused by a combustion engine used for driving cutting blade(s); (b)improved cockpit structure including fenders; (c) improved drivewheel(s) adjustment structure or assembly; (d) improved idler armassembly for use in connection with the cutter deck and/or pump drivingbelt; and/or (e) improved hose routing structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lawn mowers are known in the art. For example, stand-on mowers arediscussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,138,446, 6,390,225, 6,189,304, 6,438,930,6,658,831, 6,560,952, and 5,964,082, the disclosures of all of which areall hereby incorporated herein by reference. Example walk-behind lawnmowers are discussed in U.S. Patent Documents 2005/0126146 and U.S. Pat.No. 4,920,733, the disclosures of which are all hereby incorporatedherein by reference. Example mower operable by seated occupants arediscussed in U.S. Patent Documents 2001/0001170, 2002/0059788, U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,438,930, 6,658,831, and 6,560,952, the disclosures of which areall hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrates different features of an example commercial mower,found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,446. The mower includes cutter deck 1,engine deck 3, a pair of front castor wheels 5, a pair of rear drivewheels 7, thigh pad 13 for permitting the operator to rest his/herthighs thereon during operation, support assembly 15 extending upwardlyat an angle from engine deck 3 so as to support thigh pad 13 and handlecontrol assembly 11, combustion engine 9, and operator support platformstructure 18 which includes pivotal platform sheet 234 for supportingfeet of an operator during mower operation. The handle control assembly11 includes rigid handle bar 10 fixedly attached to supports 15, reversecontrol levers 17, and forward control levers 19. Control levers 17 and19 are pivotally affixed to supports 15 about axis 21 so that thestanding operator can control the steering of the mower via the reardrive wheels 7 by pivoting levers 17 and/or 19 during operation. Themower is of the zero radius turning type in certain example embodiments,with the wheels being hydraulically driven.

Hydraulically driven (i.e., hydrostatically controlled) mowers include apair of drive wheels, each of which is independently operated by ahydraulic (i.e., hydrostatic) pump coupled to the mower's engine. Acorresponding motor is provided for each drive wheel, each motor beingpowered and controlled by one of the hydro pumps. Each pump typicallyincludes a control lever for regulating fluid pressure and direction toits corresponding motor so that the drive wheels can be independentlycontrolled so that each may be rotated at variable speeds in bothforward and reverse directions. In this manner, the mower may be steeredby controlling the speed and direction of the two drive wheels, and maybe referred to as a zero radius turning mower. Zero radius turns aretypically performed when the two wheels are operated at approximatelythe same speed but in opposite directions so that the mower pivots orturns about a vertical axis extending upwardly from a location betweenthe drive wheels. In the FIG. 1-4 mower, the hydraulically controlleddrive wheels 7 are considered rear drive wheels.

FIG. 2 illustrates standing platform supporting structure (with certainexceptions such as support sheet 234) shown generally by referencenumeral 18. The supporting structure 18 includes support sheet 234 forsupporting an operator's feet during mower operation, sidewalls 151 forisolating the operator's feet from the drive wheels 7 and their motors,vertical surface 153, elongated annular bar 155 welded to the platformstructure so as to give structure for wheel motor brackets 157 on bothsides of the platform, a pair of motor brackets 157, rigid channelshaped member 159 disposed between sidewalls 151, a rest 160 for thefront of the standing platform, handlebar upright base members 163, viaholes 165 for attachment purposes, support surface 164, and mountingholes 169 provided on each sidewall for permitting wheel motor brackets157 to be affixed to the sidewalls.

FIGS. 3( a)-3(b) illustrate the handle bar support assembly and otheritems from the rear of the mower. The assembly includes sheet metalsupports 15 on either side of the mower, central bends 23 in supports15, dash panel 27, pivots 63, bend sections 143 at the bottom areas ofsupports 15 for bolting supports 15 to the engine deck, cutter deck 1,operator foot platform 18, rear drive wheels 7, and platform sidewalls151.

FIG. 4 illustrates the cutter deck 1 and a deck belt cover 331(including wall 340) for resting thereon. Wall 191 extends from an uppersurface of the cutter deck for housing pulleys and the like. Thisassembly includes cover 331 which rests on post members 332 and caps 333when knobs 334 are tightened down. Threaded studs 335 are attached intoidler pivot pin 336 in order to align cover 331 and knobs 334. Idlerarms 339 rotate on pins 336. The tops of idler pivots pins 336 may beslightly lower in elevation than the tops of caps 333.

FIGS. 1-4 have been provided to illustrate general components of anexample non-limiting lawn mower. Further details of the structure shownin FIGS. 1-4 may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,446, the disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

While the aforesaid lawn mowers are desirable for many uses, they canalso be improved in certain respects.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a lawn mower. In certain example embodimentsof this invention, the lawn mower includes one or more of: (a) a coolingbaffle for efficiently cooling a hydraulic fluid tank using air flowcaused by a combustion engine used for driving cutting blade(s); (b)improved cockpit structure including fenders; (c) improved drivewheel(s) adjustment structure or assembly; (d) improved idler armassembly for use in connection with the cutter deck and/or pump drivingbelt; and/or (e) improved hose routing structure. Example mowersaccording to this invention may include one of these features (a)-(e),two of these features, three of these features, four of these features,or more of these features in different example embodiments of thisinvention.

In certain example embodiments of this invention, there is provided alawn mower comprising: a combustion engine for driving at least onecutting blade for cutting grass, the combustion engine including aflywheel structure at a top portion thereof; first and second hydraulicpumps and corresponding first and second wheel motors, for controllingfirst and second drive wheels of the mower; a hydraulic fluid tank forholding fluid used in the hydraulic pumps; and a hydraulic fluid tankcooling structure for cooling the tank and/or fluid therein, the coolingstructure comprising a baffle located above the flywheel structure ofthe combustion engine and proximate the hydraulic fluid tank so thatrotation of a flywheel of the engine causes air to be sucked into thecooling structure and pass through the cooling structure and across partof the hydraulic fluid tank thereby cooling the tank and/or fluidtherein.

In other example embodiments of this invention, there is provided a lawnmower comprising: a combustion engine for driving at least one cuttingblade for cutting grass, the combustion engine including a flywheelstructure at a top portion thereof; first and second hydraulic pumps andcorresponding first and second wheel motors, for controlling first andsecond drive wheels of the mower; a hydraulic fluid tank for holdingfluid used in the hydraulic pumps; and cooling means for cooling thehydraulic fluid tank and/or fluid therein, the cooling means having anair flow passage defined therein and being located above the flywheelstructure of the combustion engine so that rotation of a flywheel of theengine causes air to be sucked through the air flow passage of thecooling means and across part of the hydraulic fluid tank therebycooling the tank and/or fluid therein.

In other example embodiments of this invention, there is provided a lawnmower comprising: an engine for driving at least one cutting bladeand/or at least one hydraulic pump, via at least one belt; an idler armassembly for causing tension in the belt, the idler arm assemblycomprising an idler arm, a compression spring that resists compressiveforce applied thereto, and a rotatable pulley mounted to the idler armfor contacting the belt; and wherein the compression spring is locatedat least partially between a portion of the idler arm and a fixedsupport, and biases the idler arm in a direction away from the supportin order to cause tension in the belt.

In other example embodiments of this invention, there is provided a lawnmower comprising: a frame including an engine mounting surface, andfirst and second sidewalls extending at least downwardly from the enginemounting surface, the engine mounting surface of the frame beingprovided at least partially between the first and second sidewalls ofthe frame; an engine for driving at least one cutting blade for cuttinggrass, the engine being mounted on the engine mounting surface of theframe; first and second hydraulic pumps and corresponding first andsecond wheel motors, the first wheel motor being controlled by the firsthydraulic pump, and the second wheel motor being controlled by thesecond hydraulic pump; at least one hydraulic fluid hose extendingbetween, and communicating with, the first hydraulic pump and the firstwheel motor; and wherein the hydraulic fluid hose passes through firstand second different spaced apart apertures defined in the frame, inmaking its way from the first wheel motor to the first hydraulic pump.

In other example embodiments of this invention, there is provided a lawnmower comprising: a frame including an engine mounting surface, andfirst and second sidewalls extending at least downwardly from the enginemounting surface, the engine mounting surface of the frame beingprovided at least partially between the first and second sidewalls ofthe frame; an engine for driving at least one cutting blade for cuttinggrass, the engine being mounted on the engine mounting surface of theframe; first and second hydraulic pumps and corresponding first andsecond wheel motors, the first wheel motor being controlled by the firsthydraulic pump, and the second wheel motor being controlled by thesecond hydraulic pump; at least one hydraulic fluid hose extendingbetween the first hydraulic pump and the first wheel motor; and a firstwheel motor support that supports the first wheel motor, the first wheelmotor support being pivotally mounted to an exterior surface of thefirst sidewall of the frame, and wherein pivoting of the first wheelmotor support causes movement of the first wheel motor so that theheight of a drive wheel attached to the first wheel motor can beadjusted relative to the frame so that a cutting height of the mower canbe adjusted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a conventional stand-on lawn mower.

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded elevational view of a conventional enginedeck structure and operator support structure of the mower of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3( a) is a rear elevational view of the conventional handlemechanism assembly and engine deck structure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3( b) is a rear elevational view of the handle mechanism assemblyand engine deck structure of the FIGS. 1 and 3( a) mower, with the rearwheel assembly, dash, and handle bars having been added compared to FIG.3( a).

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a conventional cutter deck of the mowerof FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of part of a lawn mower according to anexample embodiment of this invention, including a hydro tank coolingsystem

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the baffle of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an improved tractor frame structure fora stand-on mower according to an example embodiment of this invention.

FIGS. 8( a)-(c) illustrate adjustments made to wheel motor heightrelative to the tractor frame of FIG. 7, in accordance with certainexample embodiments of this invention.

FIG. 9 is an enlargement of FIG. 8( a), and is a side plan view of atractor frame and a height-adjustable wheel motor according to anexample embodiment of this invention, where the wheel motor is adjustedto a relatively low mower cutting height.

FIG. 10 is an enlargement of FIG. 8( b), and is a side plan view of atractor frame and a height-adjustable wheel motor according to anexample embodiment of this invention, where the wheel motor is adjustedto a medium mower cutting height.

FIG. 11 is an enlargement of FIG. 8( c), and is a side plan view of atractor frame and a height-adjustable wheel motor according to anexample embodiment of this invention, where the wheel motor is adjustedto a relatively high mower cutting height.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of part of the mower of FIGS. 5-11,illustrating routing of hydraulic hoses corresponding to one of thewheel motors and one of the hydro pumps.

FIG. 13 is a perspective top view of the cutter deck assembly, includingidler arms for belt tensioning, according to an example embodiment ofthis invention.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged top plan view of an idler arm assembly of FIG.13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now more particularly to the accompanying drawings in whichlike reference numerals indicate like parts throughout the severalviews.

In certain example embodiments of this invention, the mower includes atank for storing hydraulic (or hydro) fluid that is used todrive/control the drive wheel pumps. In certain example embodiments, abaffle-like structure is provided for cooling this hydro tank, and takesadvantage of air flow caused by rotation of the flywheel of the mower'scombustion engine. In certain example embodiments, the engine's flywheelpulls in air through the baffle to cool off hydro oil tank/reservoir.Thus, in certain example instances, the cooling system may avoid theneed for expensive radiator style cooler.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of part of a lawn mower according to anexample embodiment of this invention. The mower of FIG. 5 may be similarto the mower of FIGS. 1-4, except for the differences illustrated inFIG. 5. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the baffle cooling structure usedin the FIG. 5 embodiment.

The mower of FIGS. 5-6 includes combustion engine 9 which includesflywheel structure 9 a provided at a top portion thereof. The flywheelstructure 9 a includes flywheel guard 9 b and a flywheel under the guard9 b that rotates when the combustion engine 9 is running. Combustionengine 9 is typically provided at least for driving cutting blade(s) ofthe lawn mower. The mower also includes, for example, cutter deck 1,battery 2, hydraulic or hydro fluid tank 4, engine deck 3, and so forth.The hydraulic fluid in tank 4 is typically used for cooling fluidfor/from the hydraulic pumps that control the driving of the rear drivewheels of the mower (example hydraulic or hydrostatic pumps are shown inFIG. 12). Example hydraulic pumps are described in U.S. Pat. No.6,782,797, the disclose of which is hereby incorporated herein byreference. Since the engine 9 is mounted on engine deck 3, this surface3 may also be referred to as an engine mounting surface in certaininstances.

In order to prolong operation and/or lifespan of the hydro pumps thatcontrol the drive wheels of the mower, it is desirable to keep thehydraulic fluid in tank 4 cooled if possible. FIGS. 5-6 illustrate ahydraulic fluid tank cooling assembly 400 for cooling tank 4 and thusthe hydro fluid therein during mower operation. The cooling assembly 400includes combustion engine 9 which includes flywheel structure 9 b,hydraulic fluid tank 4 for holding hydraulic (or hydro) fluid, andcooling baffle 402 mounted above the engine's flywheel structure 9 b.Cooling baffle 402 includes a first or top opening 404 which functionsas an air input/inlet, and a second or bottom opening 406 whichfunctions as an air output/outlet. Air output opening 406 is locatedabove and preferably over the flywheel structure of the engine 9, and istypically larger in size (area of the opening) than is the air inputopening 404. Baffle 402 includes an angled and possibly flat flowdirecting member 408 as well as a pair of approximately parallelsidewalls 410 on opposite sides of member 408. Flow directing member maybe angled from about 10 to 70 degrees (more preferably from about 20 to60 degrees) relative to the vertical. The air flow channel is definedbetween sidewalls 410, and also between member 408 and the tank 4. Thus,air flowing through the baffle assembly flows over part of the tank 4thereby cooling the hydro fluid therein. The shape of the baffle 402 inthe figures is provided for purposes of example only, and this inventionis not so limited. Any suitable shape of baffle may be used to cause airto flow across part of the tank 4 thereby cooling fluid therein.

Rotation of the engine's flywheel causes air to be sucked into theengine 9 from above the engine. Thus, rotation of the combustionengine's flywheel causes air to be sucked into air input opening 404 ofthe baffle assembly. The air coming through input 404 flows across partof the tank 4 thereby cooling fluid therein, and then flows out ofoutput opening 406 and into the engine 9 via the flywheel assembly. Thereference AF in FIGS. 5-6 illustrates the path of the air flowing intothe baffle system for cooling the hydro fluid in tank 4. Thus, thesystem takes advantages of the engine's air-sucking power to cool thehydro fluid in hydro tank 4. The hydro fluid baffle system may be usedin any suitable type of lawn mower, and may be used to cool other typesof structures or fluids such as gas in a gas tank, oil in an oil tank,or the like.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an improved cockpit structure or tractorframe for a stand-on lawn mower according to an example embodiment ofthis invention. This improved cockpit structure may be used inconjunction with any of the stand-on mowers of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,138,446,6,390,225, 6,189,304, 6,438,930, 6,658,831, 6,560,952, and/or 5,964,082,the disclosures of all of which are all hereby incorporated herein byreference, or in any other suitable type of mower. In certain exampleembodiments, the fenders are used as structural elements to the cockpitsides, and the bar may also help structurally. The use of the fenderspermits there to be structure over the tires of the drive wheels whichallows space to be used more efficiently. Moreover, vertical orsubstantially vertical upright supports may be indented over edges ofsidewalls.

Referring to FIG. 7, the tractor frame 501 includes engine deck (orengine mounting surface) 3, rigid bar 155, a foot supporting platform234 for supporting a standing operator during mower operation (not shownin FIG. 7 for purposes of simplicity, but see FIGS. 1 and 5), rest 160for supporting a front end of the foot supporting platform 234,sidewalls 151, vertical surface 153 representing the rear end of theengine deck, wheel/motor mounting apertures 154 defined in the opposingsidewalls 151 of the tractor frame, rigid channel shaped member 159disposed between the sidewalls for enclosing the front portion of thefoot compartment, right fender 180, and left fender 182. Fenders 180 and182 may be arc-shaped or curved as shown in FIG. 7, and are provided ina position over at least part of the respective tires of the rear drivewheels of the mower. Sheet metal is typically used to form members 3,151, 180, 182, 153, 159 and 160. The tractor frame shown in FIG. 7permits improved space efficiency to be realized, and also permitsimproved wheel adjustability and hose routing to be realized in certainexample instances as will be explained below.

FIGS. 8( a), 8(b) and 8(c) illustrate a technique for adjustment of therear drive wheels 7 according to an example embodiment of thisinvention. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of FIG. 8( a), while FIG. 10 is anenlarged view of FIG. 8( b) and FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of FIG. 8(c). The tractor frame 501 of FIGS. 5 and 7 is used in the structureshown in FIGS. 8-11. Improved wheel adjustment and wheel motor hoserouting may be realized.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7-11, there is provided pivotal drive wheelmotor support weldment 500, hydraulically controlled rear drive wheelmotor 502, tractor frame 501 that include sidewalls 151 and engine deck3 and so forth, pivot point or axis 504 where the wheel motor support500 is pivotally attached to and can pivot with respect to the sidewall151 of the tractor frame 501, and removable bolts 506 for adjustment ofthe rear drive wheel 7 height. It will be appreciated that the reardrive wheel motors 502 are provided in and extend through the apertures154 defined in the sidewalls 151 of the tractor frame 501; and the reardrive wheels 7 are mounted to the respective motors 502 on the exteriorsides thereof at least partially under fenders 180, 182. At least partof the wheel motors 502 are located exterior of the respective sidewalls151 of the tractor frame, as best shown in FIGS. 5 and 8-11. As thedrive wheels are adjusted to different positions (e.g., to change thecutting height of the mower), the wheel motors 502 move to differentangles and to different positions in their respective apertures 154 asshown in FIGS. 8( a)-8(c). Similar components are provided for the reardrive wheel on the other side of the mower, since only the left rearside of the mower is shown in these figures for purposes of simplicity.

FIGS. 8( a) and 9 illustrate a relative low cutting height of the mower,since pivotal wheel motor support 500 (and thus the corresponding wheelmotor 502 and rear drive wheel 7) is at a relatively high elevationrelative to the tractor frame 501. In contrast, FIGS. 8( c) and 11illustrate a relative high cutting height of the mower, since wheelmotor support 500 (and thus the corresponding wheel motor 502 and reardrive wheel 7) is at a relatively low elevation relative to the tractorframe 501. Note in FIGS. 8( c) and 11 how part of the pivotal wheelmotor support 500 extends downwardly beyond the lowermost edge of thetractor frame 501, which is indicative of a low rear drive wheelposition and thus a high cutting height of the mower. FIGS. 8( b) and 10illustrate a medium cutting height. Reference “a” in FIGS. 8-11illustrate the up/down arcuate movement of the wheel motor support 500(and thus of the corresponding wheel motor 502 and drive wheel 7) as thesupport 500 pivots about axis 504 thereby permitting the wheel height tobe adjusted.

Still referring to FIGS. 5 and 7-11, it will be explained how the heightof the rear drive wheels 7 can be adjusted (and thus the cutting heightof the mower can be adjusted). First, bolts 506 are removed. Then, afterbolts 506 that fixedly hold the support 500 to the tractor frame 501have been removed, and after a pivot bolt at pivot point 504 has beenloosened (but not removed), the wheel motor support 500 is pivoted aboutthe pivot axis 504 (see arc-shaped pivoting “a” in FIGS. 8-11) in orderto adjust the wheel motor 502 height (and thus the height of the reardrive wheel 7 operatively attached to the motor) relative to the tractorframe 501 thereby adjusting the cut height of the mower. Reference “b”in FIGS. 8-11 illustrate the rotation at pivot 504 between the support500 and the tractor frame 501.

FIG. 12 illustrates that hydraulic hoses 600 extend from and fluidlycommunicate between a wheel motor 502 and a corresponding hydro pumpthat controls that wheel motor. A pair of hoses is provided between eachpump 602 and corresponding wheel motor 502. In each pair of hoses, oneof the hoses takes hydraulic fluid to the wheel motor from the pump, andthe other hose takes hydraulic fluid to the pump from the wheel motor.Thus, in each pair, the first hose carries fluid in one directionwhereas the other hose carries fluid in the other direction. The hoses600 pass through an advantageous aperture 604 defined in the tractorframe 501. This hose aperture in the tractor frame 501 may be located atan intersection between a sidewall 151 and the engine deck 3 portions ofthe tractor frame, with part of the aperture being provided in each ofthese two walls as shown in the figures. Two hydro pumps 602 areprovided, one of the right rear drive wheel and one for the left reardrive wheel. Referring to FIGS. 8-12, advantageously, the wheel motor502 through its adjustment locations shown in FIGS. 8-11 moves in an arc(see “a” in FIGS. 8-11) thereby helping to keep high pressure hoses 600(which extend from the wheel motor 502 to the corresponding hydro pumpas shown in FIG. 12) from bunching up against other components orbecoming crimped. Accordingly, wheel motor 502 and drive wheel 7 heightcan be adjusted without substantially changing the height of themounting of the bottoms of the high pressure hydro hoses 600. Theelevation of the hoses 600 (at one or more locations including in thecenter of the hose and/or at the location where the hose is mounted tothe motor) does not move as much as the elevation of the wheel motorwhen the motor's height is adjusted (this is because the wheel motor isfurther out on the pivot axis). Moreover, in certain exampleembodiments, the hoses 600 extend outwardly from the corresponding wheelmotor 502 at the mounting area at an angle of from about 5 to 80 degreesfrom vertical (more preferably from about 10 to 70 degrees, and mostpreferably from about 10 to 60 degrees). Thus, the hoses 600 do notextend from the motor in a vertical direction, and thus are less subjectto crimping and other types of damage thereby extending the life of thehoses. As shown in FIG. 12, hydraulic fittings 608 couple the hoses 600to the corresponding wheel motor 502.

In certain example embodiments, as best shown in FIG. 12, the hydraulichoses 600 extend first through aperture 154 defined in sidewall 151 ofthe tractor frame 501 to the interior of the frame thereby allowingtires of the rear drive wheels to be closer to the tractor frame; then,the hoses 600 extend back to the exterior of the tractor frame by way ofaperture 604 defined in the tractor frame 501 to the corresponding pump602. Thus, in certain example embodiments, there are two holes (orapertures) 154 and 604 in tractor frame 501 through which the hoses 600pass, one hole or aperture 154 being in the sidewall 151 of the tractorframe 501 and the other aperture 604 being in the sidewall and/or topwall of the tractor frame 501. The flow of fluid of the hose is thusimproved and wheel adjustment made more efficient, in that the hoses 600extend from outside to the hollow interior of the tractor frame 501, andthe back through sidewall and/or top wall of tractor frame to outsidethe tractor frame going toward the corresponding pump 602. Of course,there are a pair of such hoses 600 (and apertures) on each side of themower, since two pumps 602, two wheel motors 502, and two rear drivewheels 7 are provide for the mower.

FIG. 13 is a top view of a cutter deck assembly 700 according to anexample embodiment of this invention. This cutter deck assembly may beused in connection with any mower discussed herein, or any other type ofmower, in certain example instances. FIG. 14 is a close-up top view of adie spring idler arm of FIG. 13.

Referring to FIGS. 13-14, the cutter deck assembly is for drivingcutting blade(s) (not shown) under the cutter deck in order to cutgrass. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of an idler arm assembly of the FIG.13 embodiment. The cutter deck assembly 700 includes cutter deck 1 belowwhich the cutting blades are located, wall 191 extending from an uppersurface of the cutter deck for housing pulleys, serpentine drive belt702 (primary blade drive belt), drive belt 704 (secondary blade drivebelt), and the like, and a cover (not shown, see FIG. 4) which rests onpost members 332 and caps 333 when knobs 334 are tightened down. Belttensioning idler arm 706 pivots about pivot axis 708 as shown at 710,and bias is provided on the arm by die spring 712. Rotatable pulley 714is attached to an end portion of idler arm 706. Two such idler arms 706,and thus two corresponding pulley 714 and springs 712, are provided incertain example instances, one set for each belt, as shown in FIG. 13.Also, it is noted that this idler arm assembly may be used in connectionwith the belts for driving the blades in the cutter deck assembly, oralternatively in connection with belts for driving the hydro pumps.

Still referring to FIGS. 13-14, a purpose of the idler arm assembly inthe cutter deck assembly is to create belt tension to keep belts 702 and704 tight in the cutter deck housing (and/or hydro system ifapplicable). Instead of using an “extension” spring, “compression”springs 712 are used in certain example embodiments of this invention.In certain example embodiments, compression spring(s) 712 act directlyon the pivoting arm 706, and is located between a protrusion 716 of thearm and a rigid fixture 718 welded to cutter deck. Compression springsresist compressive force applied approximately axially. Thus, withrespect to the uppermost spring 712 shown in FIG. 13, the compressionspring 712 resists being compressed and thereby biases idler arm 706(and the pulley 714 rotatably attached thereto) counterclockwise asshown in the figure to keep belt 704 taut. The other idler arm assemblyworks in a similar manner. Thus, FIG. 13 depicts rotation of the belttension idler arm 706 about pivot point 708 (see “a” in FIG. 13),movement of the belt tension idler die spring 712 upon compression andextension (see “b” in FIG. 13), and movement of the belt tension idlerpulley 714 in an arc-shaped path as belt tension idler arm 706 movesabout pivot 708 (see “c” in FIG. 13). One, two or more arms may be usedin different types of mowers.

Advantageously, the idler arm system of FIGS. 13-14 takes up littlespace and is very efficient. Die springs (using flat bars instead ofround wire) of chrome vanadium may be used as springs 712 in certainexample embodiments, as these springs are very strong. These strongsprings are positioned close to the corresponding pivot point 708 wherenot a lot of motion of the spring is required. Such springs can bepositioned close to the pivot point and still provide goodfunctionality, whereby the compressed and compact structure is takenadvantage of. Thus, a tiny and light-weight system can be provided, andcan better fit between other components. It is noted that in certainexample embodiments, the pivot may have ball bearings in it. It is alsonoted that in FIG. 14 the spring 712 is not in its operational positionrelative to 718 (during operation, the spring 712 is more compressed andis inside of rigid fixture 718 as shown in FIG. 13).

Rigid fixture 718 is welded to the cutter deck, and is not part of idlerarm 706. In FIG. 14, stop portion 749 functions to hit fixture 718 ifthe arm 706 rotates too far. Thus, for example, if the belt breaksand/or stretches beyond a reasonable limit, stop 749 prevents the pulleyfrom interfering with other moving parts. Also, on certain decks, stop749 functions to prevent the arm from rotating to an extent far enoughto lose the spring 712. Aperture 751 in arm 706 is for receiving astandard half-inch drive wrench or breaker bar in order to move theidler arm 706 against the biasing spring 712 or to compress the spring(e.g., to remove the belt).

While the inventions have been described in connection with what ispresently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment,it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to thedisclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, are intended to covervarious modifications and equivalent arrangements included within thespirit and scope of the appended claims.

1-10. (canceled)
 11. A lawn mower comprising: a frame including anengine mounting surface, and first and second sidewalls extending atleast downwardly from the engine mounting surface, the engine mountingsurface of the frame being provided at least partially between the firstand second sidewalls of the frame; an engine for driving at least onecutting blade for cutting grass, the engine being mounted on the enginemounting surface of the frame; first and second hydraulic pumps andcorresponding first and second wheel motors, the first wheel motor beingcontrolled by the first hydraulic pump, and the second wheel motor beingcontrolled by the second hydraulic pump; at least one hydraulic fluidhose extending between, and communicating with, the first hydraulic pumpand the first wheel motor; and wherein the hydraulic fluid hose passesthrough first and second different spaced apart apertures defined in theframe, in making its way from the first wheel motor to the firsthydraulic pump.
 12. The lawn mower of claim 11, wherein an area at leastpartially surrounded by the engine mounting surface and the sidewalls isan interior of the frame; and starting at the first wheel motor, thehydraulic fluid hose passes through the first aperture that is definedin the first sidewall of the frame and proceeds into the interior of theframe, and then passes through the second aperture that is defined atleast partially in the engine mounting surface of the frame and proceedsin an area exterior the frame toward the first pump.
 13. The lawn mowerof claim 11, wherein the first aperture is defined in the first sidewallof the frame, and the second aperture is defined in the first sidewalland/or in the engine mounting surface of the frame.
 14. The lawn mowerof claim 13, wherein the second aperture is defined in both the firstsidewall and in the engine mounting surface of the frame including at ajunction between the first sidewall and the engine mounting surface. 15.The lawn mower of claim 11, wherein first and second hydraulic fluidhoses extend between the first hydraulic pump and the first wheel motor,and wherein the first and second hydraulic hoses each pass through thefirst and second apertures defined in the frame in making their way fromthe first wheel motor to the first hydraulic pump.
 16. The lawn mower ofclaim 15, further comprising third and fourth hydraulic hoses thatextend between the second hydraulic pump and the second wheel motor, andwherein the third and fourth hydraulic hoses each pass through third andfourth spaced apart apertures defined in the frame in making their wayfrom the second wheel motor to the second hydraulic pump, and whereinthe first and third apertures are defined in the first and secondsidewalls of the frame, respectively.
 17. The lawn mower of claim 11,further comprising a wheel motor support that supports the first wheelmotor and is pivotally mounted to an exterior surface of the firstsidewall of the frame, so that pivoting of the wheel motor supportcauses movement of the first wheel motor so that the height of a drivewheel attached to the first wheel motor can be adjusted relative to theframe whereby a cutting height of the mower can be adjusted.
 18. A lawnmower comprising: a frame including an engine mounting surface, andfirst and second sidewalls extending at least downwardly from the enginemounting surface, the engine mounting surface of the frame beingprovided at least partially between the first and second sidewalls ofthe frame; an engine for driving at least one cutting blade for cuttinggrass, the engine being mounted on the engine mounting surface of theframe; first and second hydraulic pumps and corresponding first andsecond wheel motors, the first wheel motor being controlled by the firsthydraulic pump, and the second wheel motor being controlled by thesecond hydraulic pump; at least one hydraulic fluid hose extendingbetween the first hydraulic pump and the first wheel motor; and a firstwheel motor support that supports the first wheel motor, the first wheelmotor support being pivotally mounted to an exterior surface of thefirst sidewall of the frame, and wherein pivoting of the first wheelmotor support causes movement of the first wheel motor so that theheight of a drive wheel attached to the first wheel motor can beadjusted relative to the frame so that a cutting height of the mower canbe adjusted.
 19. The lawn mower of claim 18, further comprising a secondwheel motor support that supports the second wheel motor, the secondwheel motor support being pivotally mounted to an exterior surface ofthe second sidewall of the frame, and wherein pivoting of the secondwheel motor support causes movement of the second wheel motor so thatthe height of a drive wheel attached to the second wheel motor can beadjusted relative to the frame so that a cutting height of the mower canbe adjusted.
 20. The lawn mower of claim 18, wherein an aperture isdefined in the first sidewall of the frame, and wherein the first-wheelmotor is at least partially located in said aperture defined in thefirst sidewall of the frame.
 21. The lawn mower of claim 18, wherein theframe further includes first and second fenders made of sheet metal, thefirst and second fenders being provided at least partially over firstand second drive wheels of the mower.
 22. A lawn mower comprising: anengine for driving at least one cutting blade and/or at least onehydraulic pump, via at least one belt; an idler arm assembly for causingtension in the belt, the idler arm assembly comprising an idler arm, acompression spring that resists compressive force applied thereto, and arotatable pulley mounted to the idler arm for contacting the belt; andwherein the compression spring is located at least partially between aportion of the idler arm and a fixed support, and biases the idler armin a direction away from the support in order to cause tension in thebelt.
 23. The lawn mower of claim 22, wherein the idler arm assembly ismounted in a cutter deck assembly of the mower, and the belt is fordriving at least one cutting blade of the mower.
 24. The lawn mower ofclaim 22, wherein the spring is a die spring.
 25. The lawn mower ofclaim 22, wherein the spring is mounted between a protrusion of theidler arm and the fixed support, the fixed supported being welded to acutter deck of the mower.